Editor:
A friend and I were walking home last Wednesday from “wing night” at a local pub and walked passed the transit bay at White Rock centre.
As is normal, I look to see who and what is in my surroundings. I made eye contact with a young man, 20ish, leaning against one of the pillars, apparently waiting for a bus. As we passed, we heard the distinct sound of a knife blade snapping into place.
This was obviously a young man’s testosterone-fueled bravado, but it was also a not-so-veiled threat.
We didn’t stop or even look back, but I was now on heightened alert and listening for any movement. While I didn’t feel immediately threatened, it did make me wonder what that fellow must have been thinking and what would I be prepared to do to defend myself and my friends?
I’m writing this publicly because this has obviously bothered me. I realize this is the way of the world and our peaceful little enclave isn’t completely sheltered as we may wish.
I feel, we as a community, need to be more proactive in a harm-reduction approach. The media, the police and our citizenry need to step up and make sure that this element is not welcome nor tolerated in our community.
I, for one, would be willing to volunteer and participate in a program to help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
Adam D. Smith, Surrey